Living as a college student in an apartment can be challenging, especially when it comes to finding the time, energy, and budget to cook healthy meals.

Between balancing lectures, assignments, and social life, it’s tempting to rely on takeout or instant meals.

The good news? Cooking in your apartment doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive!

With just a few basic ingredients and minimal equipment, you can easily make quick, delicious, and affordable dishes that fit perfectly into your student lifestyle.

Whether you’re rushing to class or need a late-night study snack, these 10 easy student recipes will keep you fuelled without going over budget!

Student Cooking Guide: What You Need to Know

Before jumping into the easy recipes, here are some essential tips to help you get started with student cooking.

Smart Grocery Shopping for Students

When shopping at supermarkets like Coles, Woolworths, or Aldi, keep these must-have staples in mind:

• Budget-friendly basics: Rice, pasta, bread, oats, and potatoes are cost-effective and versatile.
• Protein sources: Eggs, canned tuna, beans, tofu, and frozen chicken are affordable options.
• Fresh and frozen veggies: Frozen vegetables can save money, prevent food waste, and ensure you’re getting your “5 (five) a day”.
• Pantry essentials: Olive oil, soy sauce, spices, and stock cubes add flavour to your meals without breaking the bank.
• Quick snacks: Stock up on nuts, yoghurt, or muesli bars for easy grab-and-go options.

To prevent impulse purchases and keep your grocery bill in check, plan your meals for the week before heading to the supermarket!

Cooking Equipment for Student Apartments

Most student apartments in Australia come with basic kitchen appliances, but a few extra tools can make cooking even easier:

• Microwave – Perfect for quick meals like mug omelettes and baked potatoes.
• Slow cooker – Great for making stews, soups, or batch meals with minimal effort.
• Air fryer – A lifesaver for making crispy veggies, fries, or reheating leftovers.
• Non-stick pan and a small pot – Essential for stir-fries, pasta, and omelettes.
• Reusable containers – Ideal for meal prepping and storing leftovers.

At Y Suites, our apartments come equipped with kitchenettes, including a fridge and microwave, so you can easily cook any of these easy recipes.

Adapting Meals to Your Dietary Needs

The best part of cooking at home? You can easily adjust meals based on your preferences:

• Vegetarian/Vegan? Swap meat for tofu, beans, or lentils in recipes.
• High-protein diet? Add extra chicken, eggs, or protein-rich foods.
• Gluten-free? Use rice or gluten-free pasta instead of wheat-based options.
• Dairy-free? Replace cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives.

Now that you’re all set, let’s get cooking!

10 Easy Student Meal Recipes

1. One-Pan Garlic Butter Pasta

A quick, comforting meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients:

• Pasta
• 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp butter
• Optional: cheese, cooked meat, or mushrooms

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta, drain, leaving a little water.
2. Stir in butter and garlic until fragrant.
3. Add cheese or protein, mix, and serve hot.

Tip: Swap butter for pesto for a flavour twist!

2. Microwave Mug Omelette

A fast, high-protein breakfast—no stove needed!

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 2 tbsp milk
• Grated cheese
• Leftover veggies

Instructions:

1. Whisk eggs and milk in a mug.
2. Stir in cheese and veggies.
3. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway.

Tip: Great for meal prep—chop veggies in advance!

3. 3-Ingredient Banana Pancakes

Easy, fluffy pancakes—no pancake mix needed!

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup flour

Instructions:

1. Mash banana, mix in eggs and flour.
2. Cook small pancakes in a pan, flipping once.
3. Serve with honey, yoghurt, or peanut butter.

Tip: No banana? Just make classic pancakes with the same recipe!

4. Upgraded Instant Noodles

A university student staple—made better!

Ingredients:

• 1 pack instant noodles
• 1 egg
• Frozen veggies
• Optional: peanut butter

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles per packet instructions.
2. Add the egg and veggies at the last minute.
3. Stir in peanut butter for a satay-style twist.

Tip: Top with spring onions or chilli flakes for extra flavour.

5. Rice Cooker Veggie Fried Rice

A no-fuss, one-pot, easy dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 egg
• Frozen peas/mixed veggies
• 1 tbsp soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a rice cooker.
2. Mix well and turn on the cooker.
3. Serve once the egg is cooked through.

Tip: Add chicken or tofu for extra protein.

6. No-Oven Cheesy Quesadilla

A quick, tasty snack in minutes!

Ingredients:

• 1 tortilla wrap
• Grated cheese
• Optional: cooked meat, beans, or spinach

Instructions:

1. Sprinkle cheese and fillings on half of the tortilla.
2. Fold, cook in a pan until crispy on both sides.
3. Slice and enjoy!

Tip: Use an air fryer for extra crunch!

7. Budget-Friendly Stir-Fry

A flexible, one-pan, healthy meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mixed veggies (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli)
• Choice of protein (egg, chicken, pork, beef, tofu)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Cook protein in a pan, then add veggies.
2. Stir in soy sauce and mix well.
3. Serve with rice or noodles.

Tip: Use frozen veggies for a quick and budget-friendly option.

8. Microwave Baked Potato with Toppings

A cheap, filling meal—no oven needed!

Ingredients:

• 1 large potato
• Cheese, tuna, or baked beans

Instructions:

1. Pierce potato, microwave for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway.
2. Slice open and add toppings.

Tip: Try adding sour cream or avocado for extra flavour.

9. Quick & Easy Wraps

A no-cook meal for busy days that’s perfect for meal planning.

Ingredients:

• 1 tortilla wrap
• Canned tuna, turkey or grilled chicken
• Lettuce, tomato, or hummus

Instructions:

1. Layer fillings on the wrap.
2. Roll up and enjoy!

Tip: Prepare a few wraps in advance for convenient on-the-go meals.

Overnight Oats

A no-cook, nutritious breakfast, great for novice cooks.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup oats
• ½ cup milk or yoghurt
• 1 tbsp honey
• Chopped fruit (bananas, berries)

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a jar.
2. Refrigerate overnight and grab in the morning!

Tip: Add nuts or chia seeds for extra texture and nutrition.

Make it your own!

The recipes listed here are just guides—consider them to be a starting point, not a rulebook! Cooking should be fun, flexible, and tailored to your taste and preferences.

Don’t have a specific ingredient? Feel free to substitute it with something you have in your fridge.

Want more flavour? Add your favourite seasonings and spices.

Need a vegetarian or protein-packed option? Easily modify these meals to suit your dietary needs!

The best part of cooking any dish is making it your own, so don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative in the kitchen! Who knows? You might just come up with your new go-to student meal.

Cook with Ease at Y Suites—Your Ideal Student Home!

Living in student accommodation doesn’t mean you won’t be able to enjoy freshly cooked meals.

With these 10 easy student meals, you can enjoy quick, affordable, and nutritious food right from your kitchenette!

At Y Suites, we make student living effortless.

Our accommodations come with fully equipped kitchenettes, high-speed Wi-Fi, and modern amenities, giving you everything you need to cook, study, and socialise with ease.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or whipping up a quick bite before class, our comfortable, all-inclusive living spaces make it simple to maintain a healthy and budget-friendly lifestyle.

What’s more? You’ll be able to enjoy:

✅ Premium, fully furnished student apartments with kitchenettes, Wi-Fi, and utilities included

✅ Dedicated communal spaces for studying, socialising, and unwinding

✅ A vibrant student community with events to help you connect and network

✅ Excellent security and hassle-free service for peace of mind

So why settle for less? Experience the best of student life at Y Suites!

BOOK YOUR ROOM TODAY >>>